Mulching and Clearing Hedgerow and Fenceline Invasive Weeds Quickly
No Mans Land Mowing • October 18, 2026
Hedgerow and fence line cleanups are a specialty of No Mans Lands LV600 machine with the "side shift head" and controlled visual ability of walking beside machine to get a close "Shave" of the fence line without damage sets the remote machine apart from other methods. But hidden fence debris and broken hidden wires need to be located first if possible. Plan for regrowth as well as stock wont maintain a fenceline.
At No Mans Land Mowing, we use MDB LV600 machines for steep slope mulching and invasive weed removal
across Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Coromandel and Auckland. On an overgrown boundary, the fence needs checking before the machine goes in.
Why does scrub on a ridge boundary become a fire hazard?
Living stems can drain fence voltage while dead growth underneath builds up as fuel. Dry gorse and blackberry can carry fire along a boundary and up a slope, particularly where the scrub forms a continuous strip. Along a fence-line
On hillside blocks around the Kaimai Ranges and Coromandel hills, spring clearing gives landowners a chance to deal with standing scrub before summer drying. Waiting until it is dead and dry makes the work more hazardous. Mulching reduces standing fuel; it does not make a boundary/fence-line fireproof.
Can a remote mulcher work close to high-tensile wire?
Yes, where the operator can clearly see the wire and maintain clearance Also the machine has a "Side Shift Head" so able to get close to Fence while machine and tracks maintain a safe and controllable distance away.
Buried wire and old posts can remain hidden even after an inspection. Debris strikes are part of this work. A recommended next step is to agree how any damage will be repaired, and who is liable, before clearing starts. No Mans Land Mowing takes a practical and a very fair view on debris strikes. its part of the job, we runs its own in-house repair facility, which keeps repair costs low. So teeth replaced are done so at cost, and labour for install is normally on No Mans Lands Tab. Unless repair can be done quickly on site so client can see work being done.
Why the ground sets how steep the work can be
Remote tracked machines can work slopes up to 50+ degrees, but that is not a limit every site can safely reach. Firm, compact ground with grass cover permits steeper work than loose or slippery ground. Loose ground restricts traction, and rain can change a workable face. Standard tractors carry a rollover risk on steep slippery slopes. Remote control keeps the operator off the machine, but it does not remove the need to assess the ground on the day. We have 4,500 hours of operating experience on MDB LV600 machines; our remote-controlled mulching services still depend on suitable ground conditions. But we are very flexible with how and when is best for your job to get the best results.What happens to the cut scrub, and does it grow back?
Mulched material is left to break down on the ground. We clear mechanically without chemical sprays, so the mulching itself does not involve herbicide application or spray drift. Gorse can regrow from surviving root crowns, and seed in the soil can germinate after clearing. A recommended next step is to plan follow-up control rather than expect one pass to last for years. For broader options, see invasive weed control on slopes.How do you leave a buffer so next year is a walk-through?
Allow a working margin along the wire so it can be inspected without pushing through scrub. The usable width depends on the slope and fence position, with enough visibility to spot new growth touching the wire. Some weeds do "weave their way through the fences as they grow Thes need to get cut by hand and pulled out as our machines cannot cut that close its likely to break wires and fence. Mulching does not repair a rotten post or restore tension to a failed strainer. Once the line is open, a fencer can assess those faults. To discuss clearing your boundary, contact No Mans Land Mowing on 021 994 891 or send the location and photos through the quote request form.Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to clear a hedgerow on a steep fence line?
Starts with a quote from us either a physical look or a few photos and maybe a screen shot from "Google Earth" with the areas to be done. where the boundary is and a look at the slope and growth. We are an hourly based cost with some travel cost. The jobs vary every time and machines dont always behave to be able to promise a fixed figure.Is hedgerow removal the same as trimming a garden hedge?
No. Clearing a rural gorse or blackberry boundary involves removing woody growth that may conceal electric fencing and dead fuel. On a steep face, the ground matters as much as the vegetation.How far back from the fence should clearing go?
There is no single safe distance for every fence line. Clearance depends on wire visibility and the ground the machine can safely work. A working margin should leave the fence accessible for inspection without taking the mulcher into hidden wire. Boundary fences will also have a Council dimension for owners to make sure is clear of invasive weeds as well.Will the gorse grow back after mulching?
Yes. Gorse regrows from surviving root crowns and from seed in the soil, so follow-up control is recommended while the regrowth is still manageable.
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